State officials are urging Floridians to keep their eyes peeled for suspicious activity in the woods as Arson Awareness Week kicks off today. With a historic drought gripping much of the state, the Florida Forest Service and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson are sounding the alarm on man-made fires that have already charred thousands of acres this year.
The numbers are staggering. Since the start of 2026, Florida has battled more than 1,900 wildfires that have burned nearly 120,000 acres. As May begins, many counties have already implemented strict burn bans to prevent further disasters.
“Florida is already in a historic drought this year, and arson is a serious crime that not only threatens property and our natural resources, but it also risks the lives of our citizens and our wildland firefighters,” Commissioner Simpson said. He emphasized that the state has zero tolerance for anyone intentionally putting residents in danger. “We are committed to bringing arsonists to justice. If you see suspicious activity, help protect the lives of citizens and first responders by reporting it.”
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Setting fire to wooded lands isn’t just a hazard; it’s a felony. Convicted arsonists face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Beyond the legal penalties, these fires carry a heavy price tag for taxpayers, costing millions of dollars in emergency response and resource loss every year.
Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service, noted that humans are currently the primary cause of the state’s blazes.
“This year has already been a busy one for our state’s wildland firefighters, and man-made fires are the top cause of these fires,” Dolan said. “We’re highlighting the dangers of wildfire arson because one careless or criminal act can put lives at risk and devastate thousands of acres.”
Authorities are asking the public to be proactive but cautious. If you spot something out of the ordinary, the first step is to call 911. Afterward, you can report details to the Arson Alert Hotline at (800) 342-5869.
Officials stress that you should never approach a suspect. Instead, try to remember physical descriptions, vehicle makes, or license plate numbers, and note the exact location of the behavior. Tips can be left anonymously, and information that leads to an arrest could net a reward of up to $5,000. For more details on how to help, residents can visit FDACS.gov/Arson.
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